Zandvoort boss denies rumours of calendar rotation: “Complete nonsense” and that the Dutch Grand Prix is to remain a fixture despite calendar rumour – Speculation over the future of Formula One at Zandvoort, the Netherlands, and Barcelona, Spain, has intensified following a media report suggesting a rotation plan between the two venues.
However, Robert van Overdijk, Managing Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, was quick to dismiss the rumours as “complete nonsense”.
Speaking to *Motorsport.com Netherlands* during the weekend of the Mexican Grand Prix, van Overdijk insisted that Zandvoort has no current plans to alternate its race years with another venue.
Current contract and future uncertainties
The Dutch Grand Prix is currently contracted to host Formula One races until 2025. The approaching expiry of this contract, coupled with the ongoing surge in popularity fuelled by the success of Max Verstappen, has left fans and stakeholders concerned about the long-term future of the race. Speculation has been rife that Zandvoort could move to an alternate year schedule after 2025 to accommodate another European circuit.
Initially, the renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium was mooted as a potential rotational partner. However, a recent report suggested that Barcelona could be a more viable option.
The future of the Spanish Grand Prix has also been questioned, particularly with F1’s intention to move to a street circuit in Madrid from 2026.
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Zandvoort market study: Measuring fan interest
Van Overdijk explained that the Dutch Grand Prix organisers are conducting a market study to assess the potential longevity of fan interest in a Formula One race at Zandvoort.
This research is particularly important as the Dutch Grand Prix operates without government financial support, relying on ticket sales and private partnerships for revenue. The outcome of the study will be crucial in determining whether Zandvoort will renew its contract to host Formula One.
“We are in the process of completing [the market study]. The results could be available at any moment,” said van Overdijk.
“Then we can take stock.” The results are likely to shed light on the viability of the race beyond 2025 and could serve as a barometer for future spectator numbers and sponsorship support.
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Formula One’s role in Zandvoort’s growth strategy
For the Zandvoort circuit, which has undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the return of F1 to the Netherlands in 2021, the continuation of the Dutch Grand Prix is more than just a single event.
According to van Overdijk, the circuit’s management has restructured its business model to accommodate a wider range of activities beyond the race weekend, raising Zandvoort’s profile as a year-round venue for motorsport and corporate events.
“We have developed a completely new business model over the past few years,” explained van Overdijk.
“There is now, of course, a lot more activity at the circuit, including activities for the business market.”
Formula One, he says, is a key driver of this diversified business strategy. While the race itself is a major attraction, the presence of the event has catalysed various commercial opportunities, making the Zandvoort circuit a dynamic hub of activity beyond racing. However, he emphasised that the circuit is not entirely dependent on the presence of Formula One to remain financially sustainable.
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Independence from Formula 1
Despite the importance of F1 to the circuit’s brand and visibility, van Overdijk made it clear that Zandvoort is well prepared to thrive without it.
“As a circuit, we are not dependent on Formula 1,” he noted. “Of course it is a great icing on the cake and a great incentive for everything we do there. But are we dependent on it? No, we are not.”
The circuit’s ability to operate independently of F1 not only ensures its financial security, but also allows it the flexibility to host various other motorsport events and business commitments. Van Overdijk’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the circuit’s future, balancing the prestige of F1 with the need for a resilient business model.
Barcelona’s potential shift and the rise of Madrid
Meanwhile, the future of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona remains in flux. Formula One has signalled plans to move the Spanish race to a new street circuit in Madrid by 2026, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the calendar.
Barcelona has long been a fixture on the F1 calendar and any decision to drop or rotate it would represent a significant change for the sport’s Spanish fanbase. Should the move to Madrid go ahead, Barcelona could indeed become an alternate year race, although possibly not in conjunction with Zandvoort.
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Looking ahead: The future of F1 at Zandvoort
As Formula One’s global reach continues to expand, the prospect of calendar rotations and alternating circuits has been a recurring theme in discussions about the sport’s future. With emerging markets and new circuits vying for a place on the calendar, traditional circuits face the challenge of securing their place. The Dutch Grand Prix, however, seems determined to maintain its annual presence, buoyed by the enthusiasm of local fans and the success of home-grown superstar Max Verstappen.
For now, Zandvoort remains determined to keep its race as an annual fixture on the F1 calendar, rejecting the idea of rotating with another European circuit. As van Overdijk continues to prepare for contract negotiations, the results of Zandvoort’s market study could provide further clarity on what lies ahead. The future of the Dutch Grand Prix may be uncertain, but the determination of its organisers to keep the race on Dutch soil for the time being seems stronger than ever.
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Americans seemingly often give the impression that they are somehow a superior race – how has that come about?
I think they grossly under-estimate the “pull” of Verstappen and his driving skills and style, and to cancel his ‘home’ GP while he still races would be a HUGE miscalculation on their part. Surely even they would realise that?